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Monday, March 28, 2011

Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar is truly one of the most wonderful children's books every written and illustrated.

Even the Party Pugs agree.

Melissa created a wonderful first birthday party for her son, Ben, based on that fabulous little green guy.

She started with this brightly colored banner...

To which she attached a six-segmented caterpillar, with each circular piece featuring a photo of the (adorable) birthday boy.

Tables were perfectly draped in solid colored tablecloths and accented with clusters of bright balloons.

You know you want a closer look at those table signs. Here it is.

What a stroke of genius! Melissa used green and red paper Chinese lanterns to create a replica of the Very Hungry Caterpillar over the cake table. She used chenille stems (that's code for pipe cleaners) and cardstock for antennae and face details.

If you'll notice, there are some pink and purple cupcakes on that table. That's because this party served as a joint birthday for Ben's older sister. Melissa capitalized on the theme by pulling in the "beautiful butterfly" from the end of the book. Smart.

And finally, the smash cake/cupcake combo. Drumroll, please!

The head of the caterpillar is a removable, red foam board circle (with attached chenille stem antennae) on top of a simple white cake with plain frosting. The body of the caterpillar is a squiggle of green-swirled cupcakes, adorable and yummy!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Party Pugs love birthdays. Pug birthdays, people birthdays... It doesn't matter. Bring out the party hats and cake and let the good times roll.

Mana shares with us her daughter's first birthday party - a Polka Dot Party.

She chose the theme because... well, quite simply, because she loves polka dots.

And also, to match her daughter's super-adorable dress.

Sweet polka dot birthday banner hangs from the mantle.

Bright balloons add pops of color to the food table. So easy.

Mana was thrilled with the cake, which she ordered from Publix. Bright and delicious.

One of Mana's favorite touches with this DIY "through the year" banner, capturing her daughter's growth, month by month. Could not be cuter, and what a wonderful idea. All you need is some cardstock, 12-13 precious photos and some ribbon and you can make your own.

The little polka dot garland around the high chair is too much. So is the birthday girl's face as she enjoys her smash cake.